Alone and thoughtful, through the most desolate fields,

‘Solo et pensoso i piú deserti campi' Alone and thoughtful, through the most desolate fields, I go measuring out slow, hesitant paces, and keep my eyes intent on fleeing any place where human footsteps mark the sand. I find no other defence to protect me from other people's open notice, since in my aspect, whose joy is quenched, they see from outside how I flame within. So now I believe that mountains and river-banks and rivers and forests know the quality of my life, hidden from others. Yet I find there is no path so wild or harsh that love will not always come there speaking with me, and I with him. Translated by: A. S. Kline